Job 8:2
How long wilt thou speak these things? and how long shall the words of thy mouth be like a strong wind?
Original Language Analysis
עַד
long
H5704
עַד
long
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
1 of 8
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
וְר֥וּחַ
wind
H7307
וְר֥וּחַ
wind
Strong's:
H7307
Word #:
5 of 8
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
כַּ֝בִּ֗יר
be like a strong
H3524
כַּ֝בִּ֗יר
be like a strong
Strong's:
H3524
Word #:
6 of 8
vast, whether in extent (figuratively, of power, mighty; of time, aged), or in number, many
Cross References
Job 6:26Do ye imagine to reprove words, and the speeches of one that is desperate, which are as wind?Job 15:2Should a wise man utter vain knowledge, and fill his belly with the east wind?1 Kings 19:11And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake:
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern debate featured strong rhetoric, but Bildad's impatience violates wisdom's call for careful listening. His 'strong wind' accusation echoes Job's own wind imagery (7:7) but weaponizes it.
Questions for Reflection
- When have you dismissed someone's suffering because it challenged your theology?
- How do you balance doctrinal conviction with compassionate listening?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Bildad begins with rhetorical aggression: 'How long wilt thou speak these things? and how long shall the words of thy mouth be like a strong wind?' He dismisses Job's lament as empty rhetoric, revealing impatience with suffering that doesn't conform to theological categories.